Our Mission

Demystifying scientific research for young people

To propose an immersion in the daily life of laboratories

Offer personalized supervision by young researchers

The InitiaSciences project aims to demystify scientific research to young people in high school and CEGEP by offering them the opportunity to be accompanied by young researchers (master's, doctorate or post-doctorate). Forone school year, the students will have access to the resources of a laboratory and will be able to get involved in cutting-edge research projects. During this unique immersive experience in Quebecand thanks to the personalized support of their mentors, the young people will develop unique skills.

Personal Achievement

The realization of a cutting-edge research project and communicating its results

Teamwork

Learning group work, project management and leadership development

Unique Skills

Reading scientific literature in English, critical thinking, synthesis...

Generational Proximity

Unprecedented proximity between mentors and mentees and personalized coaching

Networking

Immersion in renowned research laboratories, in multiple disciplines

Our socio-community mission

We target schools for in-person presentations and invitations to our events based on factors that may influence exposure to science resources and careers.

Our solidarity grant program allows some mentees to take part in the project regardless of their financial constraints.

We offer an alternative to dropping out of school: we provide a financially compensated after-school engagement opportunity that encourages young people in their abilities and pursuit of their education.

Click on the images below to learn more!

Presentation of the projects

In September, the mentors visit high schools and CEGEPs to present their research projects.

Educational workshops

Once matched with a mentor, the youth in the cohort will benefit from workshops to learn the basics of research: What is a scientist? How to check the validity of a source? etc.

Immersion in a team

During one school year, the students will work in teams of two or three on their mentor's project

Symposium

At the end of the year, each team will present its results at our annual flagship event: a symposium to promote the program and the achievements of the mentees to Quebec youth.

Future opportunities

In the year following their participation, InitiaSciences will continue to offer unique opportunities to the youth: publication of a paper with their mentor, help with the supervision of the new cohort, other projects with the research institution that received them...

Photos by Carlos Riobo.

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